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Iron
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IN STOCK - YES
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What is Iron?
Iron deficiency (anemia) is the most widespread nutritional deficiency throughout the world. It is found in every cell in your body, and you cannot live without it. Finally, here's an Iron Chelate that is easy to absorb and assimilate - and is gentle on your stomach, too!
Who Should Consider Iron?
- Pregnant and postpartum women 1-6
- Women with a heavy menstrual flow
- Active adolescent girls who have started menstruating 7
- People who are chronically tired
- People with low hemoglobin and/or hematocrit blood counts
- Children and adolescents who eat a lot of junk food* 8,9
- Female athletes, distance runners and vegetarian athletes 10-13
- People with renal failure, especially those undergoing routine dialysis 14-19
- People with gastrointestinal disorders who do not absorb iron normally 20
- People who frequently donate blood
* Low iron levels are often associated with low-nutrient density foods, or junk foods that are high in calories but low in vitamins and minerals. Soft drinks, sugary desserts and high-carb snack foods like potato chips are examples of low-nutrient density foods. Among almost 5,000 children and adolescents between the ages of 8 and 18 who were surveyed, low-nutrient density foods contributed almost 30% of daily caloric intake, with sweeteners and desserts accounting for almost 25% of caloric intake. On the other hand, the children and adolescents who ate a whole-foods diet with fewer low-nutrient density foods were more likely to get the recommended amounts of iron. 8
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Iron is one of the most abundant metals on earth, and is an essential component of every cell in your body. Its main function is to combine with protein and copper to make hemoglobin, the substance that makes blood cells red. Hemoglobin transports oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the tissues, which need oxygen for energy.14,15
Iron is also essential for the regulation of cell growth and differentiation.16,21 A deficiency of iron limits oxygen delivery to cells, which is why individuals with "iron-poor" blood are chronically tired, have difficulty performing at work or school, and seem to get sick a lot. 14,22,23
Almost two-thirds of the iron in your body is found in hemoglobin, while smaller amounts are found in myoglobin - a protein that helps supply oxygen to your muscles—and in enzymes that assist biochemical reactions. Iron is also found in proteins that store iron for future needs and that transport iron in blood. Iron stores are regulated by intestinal iron absorption. 14,24
The World Health Organization considers iron deficiency the number one nutritional disorder in the world.25 As many as 80% of the world's population may be iron deficient, while 30% may have iron deficiency anemia.26
You don't become iron deficient over night. Iron deficiency develops gradually, and usually begins with a negative iron balance when your iron intake doesn't meet the daily need for dietary iron. This negative balance initially depletes the storage form of iron while the blood hemoglobin level, a marker of iron status, remains normal.
Iron deficiency anemia is an advanced stage of iron depletion. It occurs when storage sites of iron are deficient and blood levels of iron cannot meet daily needs. Blood hemoglobin levels are below normal with iron deficiency anemia.14
Iron deficiency anemia can be associated with low dietary intake of iron, inadequate absorption of iron or excessive blood loss.14,27,28 Women of childbearing age, pregnant women, preterm and low birth weight infants, older infants and toddlers, and teenage girls are at greatest risk of developing iron deficiency anemia because they have the greatest need for iron.25
Women with a heavy menstrual flow can lose a significant amount of iron and are at risk for iron deficiency.14,16 On the other hand, adult men and post-menopausal women lose very little iron, and have a low risk of iron deficiency. Individuals with kidney failure, especially those on dialysis, are at high risk for becoming anemic because their kidneys cannot make enough erythropoietin, a hormone needed to make red blood cells. Also, both iron and erythropoietin can be lost during kidney dialysis. Individuals who receive routine dialysis treatments usually need extra iron and synthetic erythropoietin to prevent iron deficiency.17-19
What are good sources of iron:
There are actually two forms of dietary iron: heme and nonheme.
Heme iron is derived from hemoglobin, and is found in animal foods that originally contained hemoglobin, such as liver, kidneys, red meats, fish (especially oysters and clams), poultry and eggs.
Iron in plant foods such as lentils and beans is arranged in a chemical structure called nonheme iron.29 This is the form of iron added to iron-enriched and iron-fortified foods. Although heme iron is absorbed better than nonheme iron, most dietary iron is nonheme iron.30 Nonheme iron is found abundantly in molasses, all legumes, especially lentils, soybeans and kidney beans, tofu, spinach, raisins and iron-enriched food products, such as breads and cereals.
What affects iron absorption:
Iron absorption refers to the amount of dietary iron that your body obtains and uses from food. Healthy adults absorb about 10% to 15% of dietary iron, and your stored iron levels have the greatest influence on iron absorption. Iron absorption increases when your body stores are low. When iron stores are high, absorption decreases to help protect against toxic effects of iron overload.14,16
The type of dietary iron you consume greatly affects how well it is absorbed.14-16,24,32-36 Whole Health Product's Iron Chelate is formulated with ingredients that have been proven to be bioavailable, and provide optimal absorption with minimal side effects … so you can feel confident that you most likely will not have an upset stomach.
Ferrochel Iron Chelate (Ferrous bisglycinate chelate) is a highly bioavailable form of iron. It has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective source of iron, especially when compared to other forms of iron. It also has a much greater absorption rate, and fewer side effects than the more commonly used iron salts.37-39
The US-FDA has acknowledged that Ferrochel Iron Chelate is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) under its approved conditions of use as a source of iron for food enrichment and nutritional supplementation.40
In a 2001 study of pregnant women at Sao Paulo University, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Ferrochel Iron Chelate was found to be significantly more effective and absorbable than supplementation with ferrous sulfate, even when given at a lower dose (15 mg of Ferrochel versus 40 mg of ferrous sulfate).41
Vitamin C (Ester-C) enhances the absorption of iron by changing its composition to a form that your body can use more readily. Vitamin C has its greatest effect when taken with foods containing iron or with iron supplements. In addition, Vitamin C blocks the degradation of ferritin to hemosiderin, a form of iron storage that is a considerably less bioavailable form.
Ester C ® is a patented form of Vitamin C that is pH-balanced and time-released, so it gives you the benefits of Vitamin C over a longer period of time. It is also buffered with calcium for lower acidity so it won't upset your stomach. Additionally, it is more bioavailable than other Vitamin Cs. An ester, in general, is the combination of an acid and an alcohol, and in Ester-C® the acid is ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Ester-C® is the premium brand of Vitamin C esters available.
Folic Acid (folate) is necessary for DNA and RNA synthesis, which is essential for the proper growth and reproduction of all body cells. One of its most important roles is as a carbon carrier in the formation of heme, the iron-containing protein in hemoglobin. This important function associates folic acid with the formation of blood cells, especially red blood cells.
Folic Acid is especially important during pregnancy to ensure proper development of the fetus. A deficiency of folic acid can result in gastrointestinal disorders, anemia and Vitamin B-12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 helps in the formation and regeneration of red blood cells, and plays a role in preventing anemia. It is essential to the normal functioning of all the cells in your body, especially those of the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract and nervous system.
How much iron do I need?
40 mg of elemental iron is generally considered the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of Iron for optimal health for Infants 7 to 12 months, Children and Adults.
Side Effects
Iron should be taken with food.
Therapeutic doses of iron supplements may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, dark colored stools, and/or abdominal distress, when they are taken on an empty stomach.14,25
Caution:
Excess amounts of iron can result in toxicity and even death. 31
Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6.
It is important to keep iron supplements tightly capped and away from children's reach. Any time excessive iron intake is suspected, immediately call your physician or Poison Control Center, or visit your local emergency room.
Iron supplements can interact with a number of medications. If you take other medications, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice about drug interactions.
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Label Facts
IronHealth, 30 capsules:
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Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsules
Servings per container: 30 |
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Amount Per Serving |
% Daily Value |
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| Vitamin C (Ester-C®) |
60 mg |
100% |
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| Iron (from Ferrochel® Amino Acid Chelate) |
28 mg |
155% |
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| Folic Acid |
400 mcg |
100% |
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| Vitamin B12 |
2.5 mg |
42% |
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Other ingredients: Cellulose (plant fiber), magnesium stearate (vegetable source), silicon dioxide.
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Dietary Restrictions
 Vegetarian capsule used and a vegetarian formula.
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References
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- Malhotra M, Sharma JB, Batra S, Sharma S, Murthy NS, Arora R. Maternal and perinatal outcome in varying degrees of anemia. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2002;79:93-100.
- Allen LH. Pregnancy and iron deficiency: unresolved issues. Nutr Rev 1997;55:91-101.
- Iron deficiency anemia: recommended guidelines for the prevention, detection, and management among U.S. children and women of childbearing age. Washington, DC: Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board.National Academy Press, 1993.
- Blot I, Diallo D, Tchernia G. Iron deficiency in pregnancy: effects on the newborn. Curr Opin Hematol 1999;6:65-70.
- Cogswell ME, Parvanta I, Ickes L, Yip R, Brittenham GM. Iron supplementation during pregnancy, anemia, and birth weight: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;78:773-81.
- Bodnar LM, Cogswell ME, Scanlon KS. Low income postpartum women are at risk of iron deficiency. J Nutr 2002;132:2298-302.
- Raunikar RA, Sabio H. Anemia in the adolescent athlete. Am J Dis Child 1992;146:1201-5.
- Frary CD, Johnson RK, Wang MQ. Children and adolescents’ choice of foods and beverages high in added sugars are associated with intakes of key nutrients and food groups. J Adolesc Health 2004;34:56-63.
- Kant A. Reported consumption of low-nutrient-density foods by American children and adolescents. Arch Pediatr Aolesc Med 1993;157:789-96.
- Lampe JW, Slavin JL, Apple FS. Iron status of active women and the effect of running a marathon on bowel function and gastrointestinal blood loss. Int J Sports Med 1991;12:173-9.
- Fogelholm M. Inadequate iron status in athletes: An exaggerated problem? Sports Nutrition: Minerals and Electrolytes. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 1995:81-95.
- Beard J and Tobin B. Iron status and exercise. Am J Clin Nutr 2000:72:594S-7S.
- Brigham DE , Beard JL, Krimmel RS, Kenney WL. Changes in iron status during competitive season in female collegiate swimmers. Nutrition 1993;9:418-22.
- Institute of Medicine . Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2001.
- Dallman PR. Biochemical basis for the manifestations of iron deficiency. Annu Rev Nutr 1986;6:13-40.
- Bothwell TH, Charlton RW, Cook JD, Finch CA. Iron Metabolism in Man. St. Louis: Oxford: Blackwell Scientific, 1979.
- Nissenson AR , Strobos J. Iron deficiency in patients with renal failure. Kidney Int Suppl 1999;69:S18-21.
- Fishbane S, Mittal SK, Maesaka JK. Beneficial effects of iron therapy in renal failure patients on hemodialysis. Kidney Int Suppl 1999;69:S67.
- Drueke TB, Barany P, Cazzola M, Eschbach JW, Grutzmacher P, Kaltwasser JP, MacDougall IC, Pippard MJ, Shaldon S, van Wyck D. Management of iron deficiency in renal anemia: guidelines for the optimal therapeutic approach in erythropoietin-treated patients. Clin Nephrol 1997;48:1-8.
- Annibale B, Capurso G, Chistolini A, D'Ambra G, DiGiulio E, Monarca B, DelleFave G. Gastrointestinal causes of refractory iron deficiency anemia in patients without gastrointestinal symptoms. Am J Med 2001;111:439-45.
- Andrews NC. Disorders of iron metabolism. N Engl J Med 1999;341:1986-95.
- Haas JD, Brownlie T 4th. Iron deficiency and reduced work capacity: a critical review of the research to determine a causal relationship. J Nutr 2001;131:691S-6S.
- Bhaskaram P. Immunobiology of mild micronutrient deficiencies. Br J Nutr 2001;85:S75-80.
- Miret S, Simpson RJ, McKie AT. Physiology and molecular biology of dietary iron absorption. Annu Rev Nutr 2003;23:283-301.
- CDC Recommendations to prevent and control iron deficiency in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MMWR Recomm Rep 1998;47:1-29.
- Stoltzfus RJ. Defining iron-deficiency anemia in public health terms: reexamining the nature and magnitude of the public health problem. J Nutr 2001;131:565S-7S.
- Tapiero H, Gate L, Tew KD. Iron: deficiencies and requirements. Biomed Pharmacother. 2001;55:324-32.
- Hallberg L. Prevention of iron deficiency. Baillieres Clin Haematol 1994;7:805-14.
- Hurrell RF. Preventing iron deficiency through food fortification. Nutr Rev 1997;55:210-22.
- Miret S, Simpson RJ, McKie AT. Physiology and molecular biology of dietary iron absorption. Annu Rev Nutr 2003;23:283-301.
- Corbett JV. Accidental poisoning with iron supplements. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 1995;20:234.
- Uzel C and Conrad ME. Absorption of heme iron. Semin Hematol 1998;35:27-34.
- Sandberg A. Bioavailability of minerals in legumes. British J of Nutrition. 2002;88:S281-5.
- Davidsson L. Approaches to improve iron bioavailability from complementary foods. J Nutr 2003;133:1560S-2S.
- Hallberg L, Hulten L, Gramatkovski E. Iron absorption from the whole diet in men: how effective is the regulation of iron absorption? Am J Clin Nutr 1997;66:347-56.
- Monson ER. Iron and absorption: dietary factors which impact iron bioavailability. J Am Dietet Assoc. 1988;88:786-90.
- Ashmead HD. The absorption and metabolism of iron amino acid chelate. Arch Latinoam Nutr. 2001 Mar;51(1 Suppl 1):13-21
- Jeppsen RB, Borzelleca JF. Safety evaluation of ferrous bisglycinate chelate. Food Chem Toxicol. 1999 Jul;37(7):723-31.
- Coplin M, Schuette S, Leichtmann G, Lashner B. Tolerability of iron: a comparison of bis-glycino iron II and ferrous sulfate. Clin Ther. 1991 Sep-Oct;13(5):606-12.
- Jeppsen RB. Toxicology and safety of Ferrochel and other iron amino acid chelates. Arch Latinoam Nutr. 2001 Mar;51(1 Suppl 1):26-34.
- Szarfarc SC, de Cassana LM, Fujimori E, Guerra-Shinohara EM, de Oliveira IM. Relative effectiveness of iron bis-glycinate chelate (Ferrochel) and ferrous sulfate in the control of iron deficiency in pregnant women. Arch Latinoam Nutr. 2001 Mar;51(1 Suppl 1):42-7.
- Brittenham GM. New advances in iron metabolism, iron deficiency, and iron overload. Curr Opin Hematol 1994;1:101-6.
- Sullivan JL. Iron versus cholesterol--perspectives on the iron and heart disease debate. J Clin Epidemiol 1996;49:1345-52.
- Weintraub WS, Wenger NK, Parthasarathy S, Brown WV. Hyperlipidemia versus iron overload and coronary artery disease: yet more arguments on the cholesterol debate. J Clin Epidemiol 1996;49:1353-8.
- Sullivan JL. Iron versus cholesterol--response to dissent by Weintraub et al. J Clin Epidemiol 1996;49:1359-62.
- Sullivan JL. Iron therapy and cardiovascular disease. Kidney Int Suppl 1999;69:S135-7.
- Salonen JT, Nyyssonen K, Korpela H, Tuomilehto J, Seppanen R, Salonen R. High stored iron levels are associated with excess risk of myocardial infarction in eastern Finnish men. Circulation 1992;86:803-11.
- Sempos CT , Looker AC, Gillum RF, Makuc DM. Body iron stores and the risk of coronary heart disease. N Engl J Med 1994;330:1119-24.
- Danesh J, Appleby P. Coronary heart disease and iron status: meta-analyses of prospective studies. Circulation 1999;99:852-4.
- Ma J, Stampfer MJ. Body iron stores and coronary heart disease. Clin Chem 2002;48:601-3.
- Auer J, Rammer M, Berent R, Weber T, Lassnig E, Eber B. Body iron stores and coronary atherosclerosis assessed by coronary angiography. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2002;12:285-90.
- Zacharski LR, Chow B, Lavori PW, Howes P, Bell M, DiTommaso M, Carnegie N, Bech F, Amidi M, Muluk S. The iron (Fe) and atherosclerosis study (FeAST): A pilot study of reduction of body iron stores in atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease. Am Heart J 2000;139:337-45.
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